How does Erling Haaland compare to Messi and Ronaldo?

After another hat-trick for Manchester City, the No. 9 is on track to score more than 1,000 career goals.

Another weekend, another Manchester City victory, and another hat-trick for Erling Haaland. The Norwegian has begun the new season in incredible form, hitting seven goals in the first three games of 2024/25.

He looks set up for another historic season with City, and is even on track to outscore some of the game’s most illustrious names. Still only 24 years old, Haaland has scored 230 goals in 262 club games. This puts him ahead of Lionel Messi (203 goals) and Cristiano Ronaldo (132) at the same age.

Of course Haaland is much more of a pure No. 9 that either Messi or Ronaldo and does not offer as much outside of his goal-getting exploits. In fact, both Messi and Ronaldo were largely fielded as wingers in the early years of their careers.

Nevertheless, if Haaland can continue his incredible rate of scoring and continues to play as late into his career as Messi and CR7, he is on track to beat their scoring tallies.

What did Pep Guardiola say about Erling Haaland?

No one is as aware of Haaland’s ability as the man who has integrated him into this Manchester City team. City boss Pep Guardiola has had plenty of opportunity to praise the Norwegian in recent years and he did so again on Saturday.

Guardiola told the BBC: “No words... It surprises me every time. It’s really unbelievable, because every goal he scores is different. For me as a manager, we just want to give as many balls as possible across the box.”

Haaland’s treble against West Ham United on Saturday was his eighth hat-trick in the Premier League. An astonishing tally given that’s he’s only just embarking on his third season in the English top flight. In all competitions, he has hit 11 hat-tricks for City.

Liverpool will continue to assess the market in their search for a new No.6 after missing out on a deal for Martin Zubimendi.

The Reds and new head coach Arne Slot opted to keep their powder dry during the summer transfer window other than two late deals for Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa, though they did try to sign a new defensive midfielder.

Zubimendi, previously a target for both Arsenal and Manchester United, was identified as the perfect player to bolster Slot's squad but the player opted to stay at Real Sociedad.

Liverpool decided to press ahead with their current squad rather than trying to re-enter the market - but they are working behind the scenes to source a new No.6.

That's outlined in a new report from The Athletic, who claim Liverpool will 'continue to assess possible options' with a view to strengthening in that position at a later date.

The update, which comes less than 24 hours after transfer deadline day, also outlines that the impressive form of Ryan Gravenberch is unlikely to impact those plans with the Dutchman currently operating in a deeper role.

Gravenberch, 22, is said to have impressed Slot in a holding midfield role and the former Feyenoord boss is aware of his ability after seeing him play a similar role in the Netherlands for Ajax.

Speaking earlier this month, Slot praised Gravenberch's performance in a deep-lying midfield role against Manchester United during pre-season but also hinted that the club would continue to monitor the market.

"I think Ryan did really well in that position today and we have other options as well. The best way to judge it is when we have all the players back and we still haven't," Slot said.

"But a club like Liverpool always keeps its eye open to see what's available, players that can strengthen the squad and that is what we - Richard mostly - but me as well are looking to do but that is not particular to one position. We constantly evaluate the squad where can we do something and what do we have."

Liverpool have started the Slot era with back-to-back wins against Ipswich Town and Brentford but will face their sternest test yet when they travel to arch-rivals Manchester United on Sunday.